Simon Cook

Observer
DISC Type : ic

Principal at MidKent College

Gillingham, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Simon Cook is the Principal and Chief Executive of MidKent College, bringing a unique background that began as an apprentice chef and evolved into co-owning a Michelin-starred restaurant. Educated at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, he now applies his passion for vocational training to lead the colleges educational and community initiatives.

Having worked internationally in Germany and South Africa, where he met his wife, Simon is now deeply committed to the Medway and Maidstone communities. This dedication extends beyond his professional role, as he actively works to improve the area through various trustee and board positions, including chairing the Medway Place Board.

Unique fact: His first career was as a highly successful chef, which culminated in him co-owning a restaurant that earned a Michelin star.

Personality Overview

Assertive

Example Seeker

Value Driven

They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing.  They are generally good communicators and can be hard to convince. They often ask many questions and rely heavily on information and documentation.

Topics They Care About

Vocational Education
Began his own career as an apprentice chef and is a passionate advocate for vocational training that provides life-changing opportunities and clear pathways to employment or university.
Community Regeneration
As Chair of the Medway Place Board, he is deeply invested in the economic and cultural development of the region and was instrumental in Medway's UK City of Culture bid.
Skills-Based Training
Leads initiatives to align college curriculum with local economic needs, including developing an Institute of Technology and a "Green Skills Factory" focused on decarbonisation in construction.

Media Appearances

Appointment of new principal - MidKent College. Featured in MidKent College News

See Now

Work History

9-2014
Principal at MidKent College
8-2013 - 9-2014
Vice Principal at MidKent College
6-2011 - 6-2014
Additional Inspector at OFSTED - TRIBAL
9-2011 - 8-2013
Corporate Curriculum Lead at Cornwall College
9-2004 - 8-2011
Head of Division at Somerset College

Education

2017 - 2018
FE strategic Leadership from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
2012 - 2013
Master's degree from Coventry University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 21 Location : Gillingham, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Senior Designation : Principal at MidKent College
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Insights For Selling To Simon

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Help them understand the risk aspect fully while inspiring confidence
  • Share testimonials from known people and give multiple examples of product value
  • Focus on immediate action-items rather than the larger goals

DONT's

  • Don’t rely excessively on your relationship with them to win the deal
  • Don’t brush off any concerns, take all questions seriously
  • Avoid making offhand commitments

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Simon is

  • Clear proof of product value matters to them, followed by others' testimonials and rapport.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Simon

  • They are practical and friendly, don't expect a clear-cut response often.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Simon move?

  • They like to be detailed and take their time to arrive at decisions.
  • Can Simon take some risk or not?

  • They systematically evaluate all decisions and are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Simon

Personality Compatibility


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